New journeys are beginning all over. A new year is beginning, there are engagements abounding and little ones being born. Another new beginning is one that some people never think about yet for others, it is the most important beginning of all. The beginning I am speaking of is the new life that begins after one overcomes a drug or alcohol addiction.

When one is buried in the pit of addiction, things can seem hopeless. Yet they are not. Having family members and other loved ones planning an intervention, having a moment in time change something, facing the addiction by admitting what you have denied for so long, these are the first steps to a new journey.

Just as a couple plans a life together, you will be planning a life together with tools that will help keep you from relapsing. Just as a couple has a reception so that others can help them celebrate their union, you will have a support group that will be there for you even in aftercare so that you never feel alone. A relapse is so much less likely to happen if you have battle buddies in the war on drugs and Texas has some wonderful groups all across the magnificent, beautiful state: Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and other therapeutic groups.

Just as a couple takes each other’s hands, you and freedom from drug or alcohol addiction will take each other’s hands and move forward to a life of hope, optimism and new opportunities. How much more fitting than experiencing it at this time when a new year is upon us?

Maybe you do not remember last Christmas or last New Year’s Eve. Perhaps you feel you had the year from hell. There is hope, there is success. Call your local drug treatment center or look online for a wonderful credible one that speaks of success and care. Make this Christmas one to remember as you give your family the gift of the old you. Make this New Year’s one to remember as you make the resolution to get clean.

Make 2010 the year of a new beginning. Make it YOUR year. Be bonded together with others who have made the decision to get clean and start a new life. Then this time next year? You will be celebrating not only the wonderful holiday season but an entire year clean. What greater gift could you give yourself and your loved ones than that?